Transmit diversity technique based on channel randomization for OFDM systems

ABSTRACT

A physical layer (PHY) module includes N T  radio frequency (RF) channels and a mapping module. The N T  RF channels each include N subcarriers. The mapping module includes N s  inputs receiving corresponding ones of N S  data streams. The mapping module further includes N T  outputs communicating with corresponding ones of the N T  RF channels. Each of the N T  outputs includes N outputs. The mapping module further includes a mapping matrix that maps the N S  data streams to the N T  outputs. N T , N S , and N are integers greater than or equal to 2. The N T  RF channels include N T  gain modules that apply N T  different complex gains to the N T  outputs, respectively. One of the N T  different complex gains is applied to each of the N outputs of a corresponding one of the N T  outputs. The N T  different complex gains correspond to N T  transmit antennas of the N T  RF channels, respectively.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 60/650,700, filed on Feb. 7, 2005, which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to transmit diversity techniques formulti-input, multi-output (MIMO) orthogonal frequency divisionmultiplexing (OFDM) transmitters.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Turning now to FIG. 1, a wireless communication system 10 is shown. Thesystem 10 includes a source module 12 that provides digital data to aninterface 14. The digital data can represent assorted types ofinformation, such as audio, video, computer data and/or programs. Theinterface 14 buffers and/or streams the digital data to a media accesscontroller (MAC) 16. The MAC 16 formats the digital data into a datastream. In some embodiments, the MAC 16 can also be configured to encodethe data stream with a forward error correcting (FEC) code. The MAC 16communicates the coded data stream to a physical layer (PHY) 18. The PHY18 includes a plurality of transmit antennas 20-1, 20-2, . . . , 20-T,referred to collectively as transmit antennas 20. The PHY 18 modulatesthe coded data stream onto a plurality of OFDM subchannels that aretransmitted by the transmit antennas 20.

The transmitted OFDM subchannels propagate through a communicationchannel 22. The communication channel 22 provides a plurality of paths,which are represented by arrows, between the transmit antennas 20 andreceive antennas 24-1, 24-2, . . . , 24-R, referred to collectively asreceive antennas 24. A signal propagation of each path can vary from theothers in regard to attenuation, noise, multi-path fading, and otherfactors. These factors adversely affect a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) inthe subchannels as they are received at the receive antennas 24. The FECfacilitates decoding the received signal in the event that one or morepaths reduce the SNR of one or more subchannels to the extent that theycan no longer be successfully demodulated.

The receive antennas 24 communicate the received subchannels to areceive PHY 26. The receive PHY 26 demodulates the received subchannelsinto receive coded data stream and communicates it to a receive MAC 28.The receive MAC 28 extracts the digital data from the coded data streamand communicates it to a receive interface 30. The receive interface 30buffers and streams the digital data to a destination module 32.

In some embodiments, the receive PHY 26 can use the spatial and/or SNRdiversity of the receive antennas 24 and the communication paths,respectively, to compensate for, and/or minimize the effects of, theadverse factors in the communication channel 22. The PHY 18 can mitigatethe adverse effect of multi-path fading by prepending a cyclic prefix tothe data packet portion in each subchannel. The PHY 18 can alsointroduce diversity to the transmitted signals by adding a unique andconstant cyclic delay to each subchannel.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a block diagram of a transmit PHY 50 is shownthat uses such cyclic delay diversity (CDD). The PHY 50 receives aplurality of coded data streams 52-1, 52-2, . . . , 52-N_(S), referredto collectively as coded data streams 52.

Each of the coded data streams 52 is communicated to an input of acorresponding serial-to-parallel converter (S2P) module 54-1, 54-2, . .. , 54-N_(S)., referred to collectively as S2P modules 54. Outputs ofeach S2P module 54 communicate with corresponding inputs of a mappingmodule 56. The mapping module 56 has a plurality of mapping moduleoutputs 58-1, 58-2, . . . , 58-N_(T), referred to collectively asmapping module outputs 58. Each mapping module output 58 communicateswith an input of a corresponding RF channel 60-1, 60-2, . . . ,60-N_(T), referred to collectively as RF channels 60.

The mapping module 56 maps the coded data streams to the mapping moduleoutputs 58 according to a mapping matrix W[k], such as a Walsh orFourier matrix. The variable k represents a subcarrier index of one RFchannel 60 and k=0, 1, . . . , N−1, where N represents a total number ofOFDM subcarriers. The mapping matrix W[k] can be chosen as

${{??}\lbrack k\rbrack} = {\frac{1}{\sqrt{N_{T}}}\left\lbrack {11\mspace{14mu}\ldots\mspace{14mu} 1} \right\rbrack}^{T}$when only one coded data stream 52 is being used. When a plurality ofcoded data streams 52 are being used, i.e., N_(S)≧2 where N_(S)represents the number of coded data streams 52, the mapping matrix W[k]can be chosen as the first N_(S) columns of a unitary matrix ofdimension N_(T)×N_(T), such as a Hardamard matrix or a Fourier matrix,where N_(T) represents the number of RF channels 60 being used.

Each mapping module output 58 communicates with an input of acorresponding inverse fast-fourier transform (IFFT) module 62-1, 62-1, .. . , 62-N_(T), referred to collectively as IFFT modules 62. The IFFTmodules 62 transform the coded data streams from the frequency domain tothe time domain. Each IFFT module 62 communicates its coded data streamto an input of a corresponding parallel-to-serial (P2S) converter 64-1,64-1, . . . , 64-N_(T), referred to collectively as P2S converters 64.With the exception of the first RF channel 60-1, outputs of the P2Sconverters 64 communicate the coded data streams to the inputs ofcorresponding cyclic delay modules 66-2, . . . , 66-N_(T). Each cyclicdelay module 66 adds the respective unique and constant cyclic delay tothe corresponding coded data stream. The cyclic delays simulate spatialdiversity between the transmit antennas by staggering modulation of thetransformed data streams. The first RF channel 60-1 does not include acyclic delay module 66 and effectively has a cyclic delay equal to zero.

Each of the cyclic delay modules 66-2, . . . , 66-N_(T) communicates thecorresponding coded data stream to a corresponding input of a cyclicprefix module 68-2, . . . , 68-N_(T). In the case of RF channel 60-1,the output of P2S converter 64-1 communicates the coded data stream toan input of a cyclic prefix module 68-1. The cyclic prefix modules 68-1,68-2, . . . , 68-N_(T) are referred to collectively as cyclic prefixmodules 68. The cyclic prefix modules 68 prepend a cyclic prefix, whichincludes the last samples of the output of the corresponding IFFT module62, to each corresponding coded data stream. A duration of the cyclicprefix is preferably greater than a predetermined difference inmulti-path propagation arrival times at the receiver.

An output 70-1, 70-2, . . . , 70-N_(T) of each of the cyclic prefixmodules 68 communicates its coded data stream to respective D2A modules.An RF transmitter portion (not shown) of the PHY 50 then wirelesslytransmits the coded data streams to the receiver. The transmit signalsat the outputs 70 are respectively identified by the algebraic symbolsx₁, x₂, . . . , x_(Nt).

Referring now to FIG. 3, a block diagram of a transmit PHY 100 is shown.The PHY 100 uses a permuted space-frequency coding (PSFC) technique toachieve transmit diversity. The PHY 100 is similar to the PHY 50 withthe exception of the mapping matrix W[k] and omission of the cyclicdelay modules 66. With the cyclic delay modules 66 omitted, the outputsof the P2S converters 64 communicate directly with the inputs ofcorresponding cyclic prefix modules 68.

The PSFC technique chooses the mapping W[k] matrix as follows. Let I_(m)be an identity matrix of dimension m×m and I_(m) ^((k)) be a matrix thatis formed by circularly rotating the columns of I_(m) to the left by kmod m. By way of non-limiting example, for m=3,

${I_{3}^{(0)} = \begin{bmatrix}1 & 0 & 0 \\0 & 1 & 0 \\0 & 0 & 1\end{bmatrix}},\mspace{14mu}{I_{3}^{(1)} = \begin{bmatrix}0 & 0 & 1 \\1 & 0 & 0 \\0 & 1 & 0\end{bmatrix}},\mspace{14mu}{I_{3}^{(2)} = \begin{bmatrix}0 & 1 & 0 \\0 & 0 & 1 \\1 & 0 & 0\end{bmatrix}},\mspace{14mu}{I_{3}^{(3)} = \begin{bmatrix}1 & 0 & 0 \\0 & 1 & 0 \\0 & 0 & 1\end{bmatrix}},\mspace{14mu}{{etc}.}$such thatI₃ ⁽⁰⁾=I₃ ⁽³⁾=I₃ ⁽⁶⁾= . . . andI₃ ⁽¹⁾=I₃ ⁽⁴⁾=I₃ ⁽⁷⁾= . . . andI₃ ⁽²⁾=I₃ ⁽⁵⁾=₃ ⁽⁸⁾= . . . .

The mapping matrix W[k] is formed by taking the first N_(S) columns of

${\frac{1}{\sqrt{N_{S}}}I_{N_{T}}^{({\lfloor\frac{k}{B}\rfloor})}},$where B is a predetermined parameter selected to control the frequencyselectivity of the corresponding RF channel 60.

It remains desirable in the art to provide alternative methods forproviding transmit diversity such that OFDM receivers can minimize theeffects the adverse factors have in the SNR of the received signals.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A physical layer (PHY) module is provided that includes N_(T) radiofrequency (RF) channels, each including a gain module that employs atime-varying gain. A mapping module includes N_(S) inputs receivingcorresponding ones of the N_(S) data streams and N_(T) outputscommunicating with corresponding ones of the N_(T) RF channels. Amapping matrix maps the N_(S) data streams from the N_(S) inputs toN_(T) data streams at the N_(T) outputs. N_(T) and N_(S) are integersgreater than or equal to 2.

In other features, the mapping matrix implements a permutedspace-frequency coding technique. The gain module can include a cyclicdelay module that can apply a cyclic delay based on

${\mathbb{e}}^{{j\frac{2\pi\; k\;\delta_{t}}{N}},}$where k is an index of the subcarriers of a corresponding one of theN_(T) RF channels, δ_(t) is an integer constant associated with acorresponding one of the N_(T) RF channels, and N represents a totalnumber of the subcarriers. The mapping matrix can be a unitary matrix.

In other features, the time-varying gain includes a complex gainincluding a magnitude component and a phase component. The gain modulescan randomly select the complex gains such that the complex gains areuniformly distributed over a surface of an N_(T)-dimensional complexunit sphere. The gain modules can randomly select the complex gains suchthat the magnitude components are uniformly distributed over an intervalof [0,1] and the phase components are uniformly distributed over aninterval of 2π radians. The time-varying gain can include a complex gainincluding a fixed magnitude component and a time-varying phasecomponent. The gain modules can randomly select the complex gains suchthat the phase components are uniformly distributed over an interval of2π radians.

In other features, the time-varying gain includes a complex gainincluding a time-varying magnitude component and a fixed phasecomponent. The gain modules can randomly select the complex gains suchthat the magnitude components are uniformly distributed over an intervalof [0,1] and the phase components are unequal to each other. The phasecomponents can be uniformly distributed over an interval of 2π radians.

In other features, each of the N_(T) RF channels can include an inversefast Fourier transform module that communicates with a corresponding oneof the gain modules. Each of the N_(T) RF channels can include aparallel-to-serial (P2S) module that communicates with a correspondingone of the inverse fast Fourier transform modules. Each of the N_(T) RFchannels can include a cyclic prefix module that communicates with acorresponding one of the parallel-to-serial (P2S) modules. N_(T)−1 ofthe RF channels can include a cyclic delay module that applies a cyclicdelay to the corresponding one of the N_(T) data streams. The N_(T) RFchannels can employ a single carrier frequency.

A method is disclosed that provides diversity in a physical layer (PHY)module. The method receives N_(S) data streams and maps the N_(S) datastreams in accordance with a mapping matrix to N_(T) data streams incorresponding N_(T) radio frequency (RF) channels. The method alsoprocesses each of the N_(T) data streams according to a correspondingtime-varying gain. N_(T) and N_(S) are integers greater than or equal to2.

In other features, the mapping matrix implements a permutedspace-frequency coding technique. The time-varying gain can include acyclic delay. The cyclic delay can be based on

${\mathbb{e}}^{{j\frac{2\pi\; k\;\delta_{t}}{N}},}$where k is an index of subcarriers of a corresponding one of the N_(T)RF channels, δ_(t) is an integer constant associated with acorresponding one of the N_(T) RF channels, and N represents a totalnumber of the subcarriers. The mapping matrix can be a unitary matrix.

In other features, the time-varying gain can include a complex gainincluding a magnitude component and a phase component. The method caninclude randomly selecting the complex gains such that they areuniformly distributed over a surface of an N_(T)-dimensional complexunit sphere. The method can include randomly selecting the complex gainssuch that they are uniformly distributed over an interval of [0,1] andrandomly selecting the phase components such that they are uniformlydistributed over an interval of 2π radians.

In other features, the time-varying gain includes a complex gainincluding a fixed magnitude component and a time-varying phasecomponent. The method can include randomly selecting the complex gainsuch that the phase components are uniformly distributed over aninterval of 2π radians. The time-varying gain can include a complex gainincluding a time-varying magnitude component and a fixed phasecomponent. The method can include randomly selecting the complex gainssuch that the magnitude components are uniformly distributed over aninterval of [0,1] and the phase components are unequal to each other.The phase components can be uniformly distributed over an interval of 2πradians.

In other features, the method includes transforming the N_(T) datastreams from a frequency domain to a time domain. The method can alsoinclude converting the N_(T) data streams from parallel data to serialdata. The method can also include adding a cyclic prefix to each of theN_(T) data streams. The method can also include applying a cyclic delayto N_(T)−1 of the N_(T) data streams. The method can include employing asingle carrier frequency in the N_(T) RF channels.

A physical layer (PHY) module is provided that includes N_(T) RF channelmeans for communicating and each including gain means for applying atime-varying gain to a corresponding one of N_(T) data streams. The PHYmodule includes mapping means for mapping the N_(S) data streams to theN_(T) data streams, where N_(T) and N_(S) are integers greater than orequal to 2.

In other features, the mapping means implements a permutedspace-frequency coding technique. The gain means can include delay meansfor applying a cyclic delay. The cyclic delay can be based on

${\mathbb{e}}^{{j\frac{2\pi\; k\;\delta_{t}}{N}},}$where k is an index of subcarriers of a corresponding one of the N_(T)RF channel means, δ_(t) is an integer constant associated with acorresponding one of the N_(T) RF channel means, and N represents atotal number of the subcarriers. The mapping means can implement aunitary matrix.

In other features, the time-varying gain includes a complex gainincluding a magnitude component and a phase component. Each of the gainmeans can randomly select the complex gain such that the complex gainsare uniformly distributed over a surface of an N_(T)-dimensional complexunit sphere. Each of the gain means can randomly select the complex gainsuch that the magnitude components are uniformly distributed over aninterval of [0,1] and the phase components are uniformly distributedover an interval of 2π radians.

In other features, the time-varying gain can include a complex gainincluding a fixed magnitude component and a time-varying phasecomponent. Each of the gain means can randomly select the complex gainsuch that the phase components of the gain modules are uniformlydistributed over an interval of 2π radians. The time-varying gain caninclude a complex gain including a time-varying magnitude component anda fixed phase component. Each of the gain means can randomly select thecomplex gain such that the magnitude components are uniformlydistributed over an interval of [0,1] and the phase components areunequal to each other. The phase components can be uniformly distributedover an interval of 2π radians.

In other features, each of the N_(T) RF channel means includes aninverse fast Fourier transform means for communicating with acorresponding one of the means for applying a time-varying gain. Each ofthe N_(T) RF channel means can include parallel-to-serial (P2S) meansfor communicating with a corresponding one of the inverse fast Fouriertransform means. Each of the N_(T) RF channel means can include cyclicprefix means for applying a cyclic prefix to a corresponding one of theN_(T) data streams and for communicating with a corresponding one of theP2S means. N_(T)−1 of the RF channel means can include a correspondingcyclic delay means for applying a cyclic delay to a corresponding one ofthe N_(T) data streams. The N_(T) RF channels can employ a singlecarrier frequency.

A physical layer (PHY) module is provided that includes N_(T) radiofrequency (RF) channels each including N subcarriers and a gain modulethat employs N different amplitude gains. The PHY module furtherincludes a mapping module including N_(S) inputs receiving correspondingones of N_(S) data streams, N_(T) outputs communicating withcorresponding ones of the N_(T) RF channels, and a mapping matrix thatmaps the N_(S) data streams from the N_(S) inputs to N_(T) data streamsat the N_(T) outputs, where N_(T), N_(S), and N are integers greaterthan or equal to 2.

In other features, at least one of the N_(T) RF channels furthercomprises a cyclic delay module. At least one cyclic delay module canapply a cyclic delay that is based on

${\mathbb{e}}^{{j\frac{2\pi\; k\;\delta_{t}}{N}},}$where k is an index of the subcarriers of a corresponding one of theN_(T) RF channels and δ_(t) is an integer constant associated with acorresponding one of the N_(T) RF channels. The mapping matrix can be aunitary matrix.

In other features, each gain module employs N complex gains eachcomprising one of the corresponding different amplitude gains and aphasephase shift. The phasephase shifts can be uniformly distributedover an interval of 2π radians.

In other features, the amplitude gains are uniformly distributed over aninterval of [0,1]. The amplitude gains can be based on a sinusoidalfunction.

In other features, each of the N_(T) RF channels can further include aninverse fast Fourier transform module that communicates with acorresponding one of the gain modules. Each of the N_(T) RF channels canfurther include a parallel-to-serial (P2S) module that communicates witha corresponding one of the inverse fast Fourier transform modules. Eachof the N_(T) RF channels can further include a cyclic prefix module thatconcatenates a cyclic prefix to a corresponding one of the N_(T) datastreams.

A method provides diversity in a physical layer (PHY) module andincludes receiving N_(S) data streams and mapping the N_(S) data streamsin accordance with a mapping matrix to N_(T) radio frequency (RF)channels each including N subcarriers. The method also includesprocessing each of the N subcarriers with a different amplitude gain,where N_(T), N_(S), and N are integers greater than or equal to 2.

In other features, the method further includes processing at least oneof the N_(T) RF channels with a cyclic delay. The cyclic delay can bebased on

${\mathbb{e}}^{{j\frac{2\pi\; k\;\delta_{t}}{N}},}$where k is an index of the subcarriers of a corresponding one of theN_(T) RF channels and δ_(t) is an integer constant associated with acorresponding one of the N_(T) RF channels. The mapping matrix can be aunitary matrix.

In other features, the method also includes processing each of the N_(T)RF channels with N complex gains comprising the N different amplitudegains and a phasephase shift. The method can also include uniformlydistributing the phasephase shifts over an interval of 2π radians. Themethod can include uniformly distributing the amplitude gains over aninterval of [0,1]. The amplitude gains can be based on a sinusoidalfunction.

In other features, the method includes transforming the N_(T) datastreams from a frequency domain to a time domain. The method can furtherinclude converting the N_(T) data streams from parallel data to serialdata. The method can further include concatenating a cyclic prefix toeach of the N_(T) data streams.

A physical layer (PHY) module is provided that includes N_(T) radiofrequency (RF) channel means for communicating and each including Nsubcarriers and gain means for employing N different amplitude gains,and mapping means for mapping the N_(S) data streams to the N_(T) datastreams, where N_(T), N_(S), and N are integers greater than or equal to2.

In other features, at least one of the N_(T) RF channel means furthercomprises delay means for applying a cyclic delay. The cyclic delay canbe based on

${\mathbb{e}}^{{j\frac{2\pi\; k\;\delta_{t}}{N}},}$where k is an index of the subcarriers of a corresponding one of theN_(T) RF channel means and δ_(t) is an integer constant associated witha corresponding one of the N_(T) RF channel means. The mapping means canimplement a unitary matrix.

In other features, each gain means can employ N complex gains, eachcomprising one of the corresponding different amplitude gains and aphase shift. The phase shifts can be uniformly distributed over aninterval of 2π radians. The amplitude gains can be uniformly distributedover an interval of [0,1]. The amplitude gains can be based on asinusoidal function.

In other features, each of the N_(T) RF channel means can furthercomprise inverse fast Fourier transform means for communicating with acorresponding one of the gain means. Each of the N_(T) RF channel meanscan further include parallel-to-serial (P2S) means for communicatingwith a corresponding one of the inverse fast Fourier transform means.Each of the N_(T) RF channel means can also include cyclic prefix meansfor concatenating a cyclic prefix to a corresponding one of the N_(T)data streams.

In still other features, the methods described above are implemented bya computer program executed by one or more processors. The computerprogram can reside on a computer readable medium such as but not limitedto memory, non-volatile data storage and/or other suitable tangiblestorage mediums.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It shouldbe understood that the detailed description and specific examples, whileindicating the preferred embodiment(s) of the invention, are intendedfor purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit thescope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a multiple-input,multiple-output (MIMO) orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM)communication channel according to the prior art;

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a MIMO OFDM transmit physicallayer (PHY) that uses cyclic delay diversity (CDD) according to theprior art;

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a MIMO OFDM transmit PHY thatuses permuted space-frequency coding (PSFC) according to the prior art;

FIG. 4A is a functional block diagram of a MIMO OFDM transmissionstation;

FIG. 4B is a functional block diagram of a MIMO OFDM transmissionstation that includes a multiplexer (MUX);

FIG. 5 is a system model of a noisy communication channel;

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of a MIMO OFDM transmit PHY thatuses improved PSFC;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a method for determining time-varying cyclicdelay values for the PHY of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of a MIMO OFDM transmit PHY thatuses channel randomization;

FIGS. 9-12 are flow charts of methods for determining gains for the PHYof FIG. 8;

FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram of a MIMO OFDM transmit PHY thatuses channel randomization in combination with cyclic delay;

FIG. 14 is a flow chart of a method for determining gains for the PHY ofFIG. 13; and

FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram of a single-carrier MIMO transmitPHY that uses time-varying gains.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merelyexemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention,its application, or uses. For purposes of clarity, the same referencenumbers will be used in the drawings to identify similar elements. Asused herein, the term module, circuit and/or device refers to anApplication Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, aprocessor (shared, dedicated, or group), and memory that execute one ormore software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit,and/or other suitable components that provide the describedfunctionality. For purposes of clarity, the same reference numerals willbe used to identify similar elements.

Referring now to FIG. 4A, a functional block diagram is shown of a firsttype of MIMO OFDM transmission station 150. A source module 152communicates digital data to an interface module 154. By way ofnon-limiting example, the interface module 154 can include a MediaIndependent Interface (MII). The interface module 154 buffers andstreams the digital data to a media access layer module (MAC) 156. TheMAC 156 formats the digital data into data packets and, in someembodiments, encodes the data packets using a forward error-correcting(FEC) code. The MAC 156 divides the coded data packets into one or morecoded data streams 158 and communicates them to a physical layer module(PHY) 160. The number of coded data streams 158 is algebraicallyrepresented by N_(S). The PHY 160, inter alia, maps the coded datastreams 158 to one or more transmit antennas 162. The number of transmitantennas 162 is algebraically represented by N_(T).

Referring now to FIG. 4B, a functional block diagram is shown of asecond type of MIMO OFDM transmission station 170. The functional blockdiagrams of the first and second types of transmission stations 150, 170are similar except for the output of the MAC 156 and the input of thePHY 160 (FIG. 4A). In the second type of transmission station 170, a MAC172 communicates the coded data packets to a PHY 176 as a single codeddata stream 174. The PHY 176 includes a multiplexer 178 that receivesthe single coded data stream 174 and divides it into the one or morecoded data streams 158.

In addition to mapping the coded data streams 158 to the one or moretransmit antennas 162, the first and second types of PHYs 160, 174diversify the coded data streams 158 in accordance with methodsdescribed later herein.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a system model is shown of a noisycommunication channel 180. A transmission station 182 can include one ofthe first and second types of transmission stations 150, 170. Thetransmission station 182 transmits OFDM signals, which are referred tocollectively as a transmit signal vector X[k]. The transmit signals X[k]are attenuated as they propagate through the communication channel 180.The attenuations of the transmit signals X[k] are represented by achannel gain matrix H[k]. Noise signals, which are represented by anoise vector Z[k], additively perturb the attenuated transmit signals. Areceiving station 184 receives the noisy and attenuated transmitsignals, which are represented by a receive signal vector Y[k].

For OFDM systems, the receive signals Y[k] can be expressed asY[k]=H[k]X[k]+Z[k],whereY[k]=[Y₁[k] . . . Y_(N) _(R) [k]]^(T),

${{H\lbrack k\rbrack} = \begin{bmatrix}{H_{1,1}\lbrack k\rbrack} & \ldots & {H_{1,N_{T}}\lbrack k\rbrack} \\\vdots & ⋰ & \vdots \\{H_{N_{R},1}\lbrack k\rbrack} & \ldots & {H_{N_{R},N_{T}}\lbrack k\rbrack}\end{bmatrix}},$X[k]=[X₁[k] . . . X_(N) _(T) [k]]^(T),Z[k]=[Z₁[k] . . . Z_(N) _(R) [k]]^(T),where X_(t)[k] is a transmit signal from a corresponding transmitantenna 162 t for an OFDM subcarrier k; Z_(r)[k] is the noise in areceive antenna r for subcarrier k; H_(r,t)[k] is a channel gain fromthe corresponding transmit antenna 162 t to the receive antenna r; andN_(R) and N_(T) are the number of receive and transmit antennas,respectively. N_(S) is the number of coded data streams 158, which ispreferably chosen such that N_(S)≦min{N_(R), N_(T)}.

Transmit PHYs that are described later herein employ a linear precodingmethod that generates a transmit signal X[k] as follows:X[k]=C[k]W[k]d[k],whereX[k]=[X₁[k]X₂[k] . . . X_(N) _(T) [k]]^(T),C[k]=diag([c ₁ [k]c ₂ [k] . . . c _(N) _(T) [k]]),d[k]=[d₁[k]d₂[k] . . . d_(N) _(S) [k]]^(T),and where c_(t)[k] is a complex gain for a single transmit antenna 162 tand OFDM subcarrier k; d_(s)[k] is the data symbol for a single codeddata stream s and subcarrier k; and W[k]εC^(N) ^(T) ^(×N) ^(S) is amatrix that maps the N_(S) coded data streams 158 of data symbols to theN_(T) transmit antennas 162.

From the above, the receive signal can then be expressed asY[k]=H[k]X[k]+Z[k]=H[k]C[k]W[k]d[k]+Z[k]={tilde over (H)}[k]d[k]+Z[k],where{tilde over (H)}[k]=H[k]C[k]W[k].The channel from the stream s to the receive antenna r can be expressedas

${{\overset{\sim}{H}}_{r,s}\lbrack k\rbrack} = {\sum\limits_{n = 1}^{N_{T}}\;{{H_{r,n}\lbrack k\rbrack}{c_{n}\lbrack k\rbrack}{{w_{n,s}\lbrack k\rbrack}.}}}$

For the decoding of d[k], the receiving station 184 estimates thecombined channel gain {tilde over (H)}[k]. Based on the estimate of thecombined channel gain {tilde over (H)}[k], the receiving station 184 caninclude conventional equalizers or employ a maximum likelihood (ML)method.

It should also be appreciated that a power of each antenna is limited byan average power constraint:

${{E\left\lbrack {\sum\limits_{k = 0}^{N - 1}\;{{X_{t}\lbrack k\rbrack}}^{2}} \right\rbrack} = \frac{P}{N_{T}}},$for t=0, . . . , N_(T)−1,where P is a maximum total power of the transmission station 182.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a functional block diagram is shown of atransmit PHY 200 that uses an improved PSFC technique. The PHY 200receives the plurality of coded data streams 158, which are referred toindividually as coded data streams 158-1, 158-2, . . . , 158-N_(S). Eachcoded data stream 158 is also associated with an algebraic variable d₁,d₂, . . . , d_(Ns), respectively. For the purpose of discussion, it willbe assumed that the coded data streams 158 are generated as described inthe MIMO OFDM transmission station 170 (FIG. 4B), however it isappreciated by those skilled in the art that the coded data streams 158can be generated using other methods.

Each of the coded data streams 158 is communicated to an input of acorresponding serial-to-parallel converter (S2P) module 202-1, 202-2, .. . , 202-N_(S), referred to collectively as S2Ps 202. Outputs of eachS2P module 202 communicate with corresponding inputs of a mapping module204. The mapping module 204 has a plurality of mapping module outputs206-1, 206-2, . . . , 206-N_(T), referred to collectively as mappingmodule outputs 206. Each mapping module output 206 communicates with aninput of a corresponding RF channel 208-1, 208-2, . . . , 208-N_(T),referred to collectively as RF channels 208.

The mapping module 204 maps the coded data streams 158 mapping moduleoutputs 206 according to a mapping matrix W[k]. The mapping matrix w[k]can be chosen as follows. Let I_(m) be an identity matrix of dimensionm×m and I_(m) ^((k)) be a matrix that is formed by circularly rotatingthe columns of I_(m) to the left by k mod m. By way of non-limitingexample, for m=3,

${I_{3}^{(0)} = \begin{bmatrix}1 & 0 & 0 \\0 & 1 & 0 \\0 & 0 & 1\end{bmatrix}},\mspace{14mu}{I_{3}^{(1)} = \begin{bmatrix}0 & 0 & 1 \\1 & 0 & 0 \\0 & 1 & 0\end{bmatrix}},\mspace{14mu}{I_{3}^{(2)} = \begin{bmatrix}0 & 1 & 0 \\0 & 0 & 1 \\1 & 0 & 0\end{bmatrix}},\mspace{14mu}{I_{3}^{(4)} = \begin{bmatrix}1 & 0 & 0 \\0 & 1 & 0 \\0 & 0 & 1\end{bmatrix}},\mspace{14mu}{{etc}.}$

The mapping matrix W[k] is formed by taking the first N_(S) columns of

${\frac{1}{\sqrt{N_{S}}}I_{N_{T}}^{({\lfloor\frac{k}{B}\rfloor})}},$where B is a predetermined parameter selected to control the frequencyselectivity of the corresponding RF channel 208. The mapping matrixW[k], for k=0, 1, . . . , N−1, can also be chosen as a function of timeas well as the subcarrier index k.

Each mapping module output 206 communicates with a corresponding inputof an inverse fast-fourier transform (IFFT) module 210-1, 210-2, . . . ,210-N_(T), referred to collectively as IFFT modules 210. The IFFTmodules 210 transform the corresponding coded data streams from thefrequency domain to the time domain. Each IFFT module 210 communicatesthe corresponding coded data stream to an input of a correspondingparallel-to-serial (P2S) converter module 212-1, 212-2, . . . ,212-N_(T), referred to collectively as P2S converter modules 64.

With the exception of the first RF channel 208-1, the output of each P2Sconverter module 212 communicates the corresponding coded data stream tothe input of a corresponding cyclic delay module 214-2, . . . ,214-N_(T). The first RF channel 208-1 does not include a cyclic delaymodule 214. Each cyclic delay module 214 adds a respective cyclic delayδ_(t) that simulates spatial diversity between the transmit antennas bystaggering modulation of the OFDM subcarriers corresponding to each ofthe RF channels 208.

Referring to FIG. 7, a method 220 is shown for determining cyclic delayvalues. When the method 220 is executed, the cyclic delay values may beapplied to the corresponding cyclic delay module 214 prior to the cyclicdelay modules 214 receiving a frame vis-à-vis the coded data symbolsfrom the mapping module 204. The method 220 begins at block 222. Controlthen proceeds to block 224 and determines the cyclic delay values.

The cyclic delay values can be chosen to be either time-varying ortime-invariant. When the cyclic delay values are time invariant, eachcyclic delay δ_(t)=l_(t) where l is an integer. When the cyclic delayvalues are time varying, each cyclic delay δ_(t) is chosen randomly over[0, δ_(max)], where is δ_(max) a predetermined integer. Afterdetermining the cyclic delay values in block 224, control proceeds toblock 226 and terminates. The first RF channel 208-1 effectively has acyclic delay equal to zero because it does not include a cyclic delaymodule 214.

Returning now to FIG. 6, each of the cyclic delay modules 214communicates the corresponding coded data stream to a correspondinginput of a cyclic prefix module 216-2, . . . , 216-N_(T). In the case ofRF channel 208-1, the output of P2S converter 212-1 communicates thecorresponding coded data stream directly to an input of a cyclic prefixmodule 216-1. The cyclic prefix modules 216-1, 216-2, . . . , 216-N_(T)are referred to collectively as cyclic prefix modules 216. The cyclicprefix modules 216 prepend a cyclic prefix, which includes the lastsamples of the output of the corresponding IFFT module 210, to each ofthe corresponding coded data streams. A duration of the cyclic prefix ispreferably greater than a predetermined difference in multi-pathpropagation arrival times at the receiver.

An output of each of the cyclic prefix modules 216 provides transmitsignals that are respectively identified by the algebraic symbols x₁,x₂, . . . , x_(NT). The transmit signals are then communicated tocorresponding digital-to-analog converters (DACs) before they aretransmitted by corresponding transmit antennas (not shown).

Referring now to FIG. 8, a functional block diagram is shown of atransmit PHY 250 that uses channel randomization. The PHY 250 is similarto the PHY 200 except that a mapping module 252 uses an alternatemapping matrix W[k] and the cyclic delay modules 214 are omitted. EachRF channel 256-1, 256-2, . . . , 256-N_(T) also includes a correspondingcomplex gain module 258-1, 258-2, . . . , 258-N_(T) that communicateswith the respective one of outputs 254-1, 254-2, . . . , 254-N_(T) ofthe mapping module 252 and inputs of the respective IFFT modules 210.The complex gain modules 258 calculate and apply complex gains to thecorresponding coded data streams according to methods described laterherein.

In the mapping module 252, the mapping matrix W[k] can be provided by aunitary matrix whose elements have the same magnitude. The mappingmatrix W[k] can be chosen as

${W\lbrack k\rbrack} = {\frac{1}{\sqrt{N_{T}}}\left\lbrack {11\mspace{14mu}\ldots\mspace{14mu} 1} \right\rbrack}^{T}$when only one coded data stream 158 is being used, i.e. N_(S)=1. When aplurality of coded data streams 158 are being used, i.e., N_(S)≧2, themapping matrix W[k] can be chosen as the first N_(S) columns of aunitary matrix of dimension N_(T)×N_(T) whose elements have the samemagnitude, such as a Hardamard matrix or a Fourier matrix, where N_(T)represents the number of transmit antennas 162 being used.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-11, various methods are shown for determiningthe gains c_(t)[k]. The methods can be executed periodically by thecomplex gain modules 258 and/or a microprocessor in the PHY 250. Whenthe methods are executed, the gains c_(t)[k] should be applied to thecorresponding complex gain modules 258 prior to the complex gain modules258 receiving a frame vis-à-vis the coded data symbols from the mappingmodule 252.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a first method 350 is shown for generatingcomplex gains that are used by the complex gain modules 258 (FIG. 8).The method 350 can be executed periodically by a microprocessor includedin the PHY, such as PHY 250. The method 350 begins at a start block 352.Control then proceeds to block 354 and chooses a random number {tildeover (c)}_(r)[k] for each k such that [{tilde over (c)}₁[k] . . . {tildeover (c)}_(N) _(T) [k]] is uniformly distributed over a surface of anN_(T)-dimensional complex unit sphere. Control then proceeds to block356 and calculates

${\overset{\sim}{P}}_{t} = {\frac{N_{S}}{N_{T}}{\sum\limits_{k = 0}^{N - 1}{{{{\overset{\sim}{c}}_{t}\lbrack k\rbrack}}^{2}{E\left\lbrack {{d\lbrack k\rbrack}}^{2} \right\rbrack}}}}$for each t, where E represents the average expectation function and d[k]represents a data symbol in the coded data stream of the k^(th)subchannel. Control then proceeds to block 358 and multiplies each{tilde over (c)}_(t)[k] by

$\sqrt{\frac{P}{{\overset{\sim}{P}}_{t}}}$to obtain complex

${{gains}\mspace{14mu}{c_{t}\lbrack k\rbrack}} = {\sqrt{\frac{P}{{\overset{\sim}{P}}_{t}}}{{\overset{\sim}{c}}_{t}\lbrack k\rbrack}}$that are used by each respective complex gain module 258. Control thenproceeds to block 360 and terminates.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a method 370 is shown for generating randommagnitude and phase values that are used by the complex gain modules258. The method 370 can be executed by a microprocessor included in thechosen PHY, such as PHY 250 (FIG. 8). The method 370 begins at a startblock 372. Control then proceeds to block 374 and chooses a randomnumber θ_(t)[k] such that it follows the uniform distribution in [−π,π].Control then proceeds to block 376 and chooses a random number a_(t)[k]such that it follows the uniform distribution in [0,1]. Control thenproceeds to block 378 and sets each {tilde over (c)}_(t)[k]=e^(j2πθ)^(t) ^([k])a_(t)[k]. Control then proceeds to block 380 and calculates

${\overset{\sim}{P}}_{t} = {\frac{N_{S}}{N_{T}}{\sum\limits_{k = 0}^{N - 1}{{{{\overset{\sim}{c}}_{t}\lbrack k\rbrack}}^{2}{E\left\lbrack {{d\lbrack k\rbrack}}^{2} \right\rbrack}}}}$for each t. Control then proceeds to block 382 and multiplies each{tilde over (c)}_(t)[k] by

$\sqrt{\frac{P}{{\overset{\sim}{P}}_{t}}}$to obtain to obtain complex gains

${c_{t}\lbrack k\rbrack} = {\sqrt{\frac{P}{{\overset{\sim}{P}}_{t}}}{{\overset{\sim}{c}}_{t}\lbrack k\rbrack}}$that are used by each respective complex gain module 258. Control thenproceeds to block 384 and terminates.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a method 390 is shown for generating constantmagnitude and random phase values that are used by the complex gainmodules 258. The method 390 can be executed by a microprocessor includedin the chosen PHY, such as PHY 250 (FIG. 7). The method 390 begins at astart block 392. Control then proceeds to block 394 and chooses a randomnumber θ_(t)[k] such that it follows a uniform distribution in [−π,π].Control then proceeds to block 396 and sets each {tilde over(c)}_(t)[k]e^(j2πθ) ^(t) ^([k]). Control then proceeds to block 398 andcalculates

${\overset{\sim}{P}}_{t} = {\frac{N_{S}}{N_{T}}{\sum\limits_{k = 0}^{N - 1}{{{{\overset{\sim}{c}}_{t}\lbrack k\rbrack}}^{2}{E\left\lbrack {{d\lbrack k\rbrack}}^{2} \right\rbrack}}}}$for each t. Control then proceeds to block 400 and multiply each {tildeover (c)}_(t)[k] by

$\sqrt{\frac{P}{{\overset{\sim}{P}}_{t}}}$to obtain complex gains

${c_{t}\lbrack k\rbrack} = {\sqrt{\frac{P}{{\overset{\sim}{P}}_{t}}}{{\overset{\sim}{c}}_{t}\lbrack k\rbrack}}$that are used by each respective complex gain module 258. Control thenproceeds to block 402 and terminates.

It is appreciated by those skilled in the art that methods other thanmethods 350, 370, and 390 can be used to randomly generate the complexgains c_(t)[k]. While randomly generating the complex gains c_(t)[k]achieves maximum diversity, the generation of the random values canrequire an undesirable amount of computational complexity.

Referring now to FIG. 12, a method 450 is shown for generatingpredetermined values of c_(t)[k]. Method 450 reduces computationalcomplexity when compared to methods 350, 370, and 390. The predeterminedvalues of c_(t)[k] can be stored in a memory that communicates with amicroprocessor (not shown) included in the chosen PHY, such as PHY 250(FIG. 7). The method 450 begins at start block 452. Control thenproceeds to block 454 and chooses the complex gains c_(t)[k] inaccordance with at least one of the methods 350, 370, and 390. Controlthen proceeds to block 456 and terminates.

Referring now to FIG. 13, a functional block diagram is shown of atransmit PHY 500 that uses channel randomization in combination withcyclic delay. The transmit PHY 500 is similar to the transmit PHY 250except each of RF channels 502-1, 502-2, . . . , 502-N_(t), uses acorresponding alternate gain module 504-1, 504-2, . . . , 504-N_(T) inplace of the complex gain modules 258. The alternate gain modules 504apply only the magnitude portions of their respective gains to the codeddata stream. The alternate gain modules 504 calculate gain magnitudesaccording to a method described later herein. The transmit PHY 500 alsoincludes the cyclic delay modules 214-2, . . . , 214-N_(T) thatcommunicate with the respective P2S modules 212-2, . . . , 212-N_(T) andthe respective cyclic prefix modules 216-2, . . . , 216-N_(T). Thecyclic delay modules apply cyclic delay values that can be generatedaccording to a method described later herein.

Referring now to FIG. 14, a method 550 is shown for determining thecyclic delay values and gains for the PHY 500 (FIG. 13). The method 550begins at block 552. Control then proceeds to block 554. In block 554,the cyclic delay values are calculated to provide predetermined linearphases c_(t)[k] such that

${{\angle c}_{t}\lbrack k\rbrack} = {\frac{2\pi\;{k\delta}_{1}}{N}.}$Each of the cyclic delay values are then implemented by a respective oneof the cyclic delay modules 214. Control then proceeds to block 556 andperiodically determines the gains. The gain modules 504 then apply thegains to their respective coded data stream. Control then proceeds toblock 558 and terminates.

By way of non-limiting example, block 556 can execute the step ofcalculating the gains as follows. For IEEE 802.11n, N_(T)=2, andN_(S)=1, the gains can be provided by

${{{c_{1}\lbrack k\rbrack}} = {{{{\cos\left( \frac{2\pi\;{ak}}{N} \right)}}\mspace{14mu}{and}{\mspace{11mu}\;}{{c_{2}\lbrack k\rbrack}}} = {{\sin\left( \frac{2\pi\;{ak}}{N} \right)}}}},$

where a is an integer. Then with no cyclic delay for RF channel 502-1and with the cyclic delay by δ₁ for RF channel 502-2,

${c_{1}\lbrack k\rbrack} = {{{{\cos\left( \frac{2\pi\;{ak}}{N} \right)}}\mspace{14mu}{and}{\mspace{11mu}\;}{c_{2}\lbrack k\rbrack}} = {{\mathbb{e}}^{j\frac{2\pi\;{k\delta}_{1}}{N}}{{{\sin\left( \frac{2\pi\;{ak}}{N} \right)}}.}}}$

The gain equations c₁[k] and c₂[k] remain constant and provide adifferent gain for each corresponding RF channel 502 and OFDM subcarrierk.

Referring now to FIG. 15, a functional block diagram is shown of asingle-carrier transmit PHY 600. The PHY 600 includes a mapping module602 that receives the coded data streams 158. The mapping module 602 hasa plurality of mapping module outputs 604-1, 604-2, . . . , 604-N_(T),referred to collectively as mapping module outputs 604. Each mappingmodule output 604 communicates with an input of a correspondingsingle-carrier RF channel 606-1, 606-2, . . . , 606-N_(T), referred tocollectively as single-carrier RF channels 606.

The mapping module 602 maps the coded data streams 158 to the mappingmodule outputs 606 according to a mapping matrix W[n], where n is a timeindex. The mapping matrix W[n] can be a unitary matrix and derived inthe same fashion as the mapping matrix 252 (FIG. 8.) A plurality ofcomplex gain modules 608-1, 608-2, . . . , 608-N_(T) communicate withrespective ones of the outputs 606 and inputs of respective P2S modules612-1, 612-2, . . . , 612-N_(T). The complex gain modules 608 applycorresponding gains c₁[n], c₂[n], . . . , c_(Nt)[n], referred tocollectively as gains c_(t)[n], to the corresponding coded data streamsof each RF channel 604.

The methods of FIGS. 9-12 can be used to determine the gains c_(t)[n] bysubstituting N=1. The variable n is a time index that is incrementedeach time a new set of gains c_(t)[n] are determined. The methods can beexecuted periodically by the complex gain modules 608 and/or amicroprocessor in the PHY 600. When the methods are executed, the gainsc_(t)[n] should be applied to the corresponding complex gain modules 608prior to the complex gain modules 608 receiving a frame vis-à-vis thecoded data symbols from the mapping module 602.

Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the foregoingdescription that the broad teachings of the present invention can beimplemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this invention hasbeen described in connection with particular examples thereof, the truescope of the invention should not be so limited since othermodifications will become apparent to the skilled practitioner upon astudy of the drawings, the specification and the following claims.

1. A physical layer (PHY) module, comprising: N_(T) radio frequency (RF)channels each including N subcarriers; and a mapping module including:N_(S) inputs receiving corresponding ones of N_(S) data streams; N_(T)outputs communicating with corresponding ones of the N_(T) RF channels,wherein each of the N_(T) outputs includes N outputs; and a mappingmatrix that maps the N_(S) data streams to the N_(T) outputs, whereN_(T), N_(S), and N are integers greater than or equal to 2, wherein theN_(T) RF channels comprise N_(T) gain modules that apply N_(T) differentcomplex gains to the N_(T) outputs, respectively, wherein one of theN_(T) different complex gains is applied to each of the N outputs of acorresponding one of the N_(T) outputs, and wherein the N_(T) differentcomplex gains correspond to N_(T) transmit antennas of the N_(T) RFchannels, respectively.
 2. The PHY module of claim 1, wherein at leastone of the N_(T) RF channels further comprises a cyclic delay module. 3.The PHY module of claim 2, wherein the cyclic delay module applies acyclic delay that is based on${\mathbb{e}}^{{j\frac{2\;\pi\;{k\delta}_{t}}{N}},}$ where k is an indexof the N subcarriers of the at least one of the N_(T) RF channels andδ_(t) is an integer constant associated with the at least one of theN_(T) RF channels.
 4. The PHY module of claim 1, wherein the mappingmatrix is a unitary matrix.
 5. The PHY module of claim 1, wherein theN_(T) different complex gains comprise corresponding amplitude gains andphase shifts.
 6. The PHY module of claim 5, wherein the phase shifts areuniformly distributed over an interval of 2π radians.
 7. The PHY moduleof claim 5, wherein the amplitude gains are uniformly distributed overan interval of [0,1].
 8. The PHY module of claim 5, wherein theamplitude gains are based on a sinusoidal function.
 9. The PHY module ofclaim 1, wherein each of the N_(T) RF channels further comprises aninverse fast Fourier transform module that communicates with acorresponding one of the N_(T) gain modules.
 10. The PHY module of claim9, wherein each of the N_(T) RF channels further comprises aparallel-to-serial (P2S) module that communicates with a correspondingone of the inverse fast Fourier transform modules.
 11. The PHY module ofclaim 10, wherein each of the N_(T) RF channels further comprises acyclic prefix module that concatenates a cyclic prefix to acorresponding one of the N_(T) outputs.
 12. A method that providesdiversity in a physical layer (PHY) module, the method comprising:receiving N_(S) data streams; generating N_(T) outputs by mapping theN_(S) data streams in accordance with a mapping matrix to N_(T) radiofrequency (RF) channels, wherein each of the N_(T) RF channels includesN subcarriers, and wherein each of the N_(T) outputs includes N outputs;and processing each of the N_(T) outputs with N_(T) different complexgains, respectively, where N_(T), N_(S), and N are integers greater thanor equal to 2, wherein one of the N_(T) different complex gains isapplied to each of the N outputs of a corresponding one of the N_(T)outputs, and wherein the N_(T) different complex gains correspond toN_(T) transmit antennas of the N_(T) RF channels, respectively.
 13. Themethod of claim 12 further comprising processing at least one of theN_(T) RF channels with a cyclic delay.
 14. The method of claim 13,wherein the cyclic delay is based on${\mathbb{e}}^{j\frac{2\pi\;{k\delta}_{1}}{N}},$ where k is an index ofthe N subcarriers of the at least one of the N_(T) RF channels and δ_(t)is an integer constant associated with the at least one of the N_(T) RFchannels.
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein the mapping matrix is aunitary matrix.
 16. The method of claim 12, wherein the N_(T) differentcomplex gains comprise corresponding amplitude gains and phase shifts.17. The method of claim 16 further comprising uniformly distributing thephase shifts over an interval of 2π radians.
 18. The method of claim 16further comprising uniformly distributing the amplitude gains over aninterval of [0,1].
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein the amplitudegains are based on a sinusoidal function.
 20. The method of claim 12further comprising transforming the N_(T) data streams from a frequencydomain to a time domain.
 21. The method of claim 20 further comprisingconverting the N_(T) data streams from parallel data to serial data. 22.The method of claim 21 further comprising concatenating a cyclic prefixto each of the N_(T) outputs.
 23. A physical layer (PHY) module,comprising: N_(T) radio frequency (RF) channel means for communicating,each of the N_(T) RF channel means including N subcarriers; and mappingmeans for mapping N_(S) data streams to N_(T) outputs that communicatewith corresponding ones of the N_(T) RF channel means, wherein each ofthe N_(T) outputs includes N outputs, where N_(T), N_(S), and N areintegers greater than or equal to 2, wherein the N_(T) RF channel meanscomprise N_(T) gain means for applying N_(T) different complex gains tothe N_(T) outputs, respectively, wherein one of the N_(T) differentcomplex gains is applied to each of the N outputs of a corresponding oneof the N_(T) outputs, and wherein the N_(T) different complex gainscorrespond to N_(T) transmit antennas of the N_(T) RF channel means,respectively.
 24. The PHY module of claim 23, wherein at least one ofthe N_(T) RF channel means further comprises delay means for applying acyclic delay.
 25. The PHY module of claim 24, wherein the cyclic delayis based on ${\mathbb{e}}^{j\frac{2\pi\;{k\delta}_{1}}{N}},$ where k isan index of the N subcarriers of the at least one of the N_(T) RFchannel means and δ_(t) is an integer constant associated with the atleast one of the N_(T) RF channel means.
 26. The PHY module of claim 23,wherein the mapping means implements a unitary matrix.
 27. The PHYmodule of claim 23, wherein the N_(T) different complex gains comprisecorresponding amplitude gains and phase shifts.
 28. The PHY module ofclaim 27, wherein the phase shifts are uniformly distributed over aninterval of 2π radians.
 29. The PHY module of claim 27, wherein theamplitude gains are uniformly distributed over an interval of [0,1]. 30.The PHY module of claim 27, wherein the amplitude gains are based on asinusoidal function.
 31. The PHY module of claim 23, wherein each of theN_(T) RF channel means further comprises inverse fast Fourier transformmeans for communicating with a corresponding one of the N_(T) gainmeans.
 32. The PHY module of claim 31, wherein each of the N_(T) RFchannel means further comprises parallel-to-serial (P2S) means forcommunicating with a corresponding one of the inverse fast Fouriertransform means.
 33. The PHY module of claim 32, wherein each of theN_(T) RF channel means further comprises cyclic prefix means forconcatenating a cyclic prefix to a corresponding one of the N_(T)outputs.